News has reached Kenilworth Road of the passing of Alan Thompson who gave eight years' loyal service in the 1950s.
Although born in Goole, Alan was brought up in Luton and came to the attention of the Hatters when starring for West Park Juniors, a local youth side.
After initially signing on for the Town as an amateur, Alan signed professional forms in December 1949 but two years on National Service, a broken leg and severe competition for places meant that the quick-tackling left-back had to wait until March 1956 before making his League bow as a last minute call-up in a 2-1 home win over Aston Villa. The ‘Luton News’ reported, ‘It was a satisfactory showing from a player who has waited for his chance for so long.’
Playing at left back in a 0-2 defeat at Preston a year later where he showed ‘tenacity in the tackle’ turned out to be Alan’s only other first team game and he joined Bedford in July 1957 before working for many years at Whitbread.
Our condolences go out to all his family and friends.